Beer and your Health

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In recent years, medical experts and scientists around the globe have conducted independent studies that suggest moderate alcohol consumption may have positive health benefits. Some of these benefits are specific to beer.

Numerous studies suggest that beer offers possible protection against heart attack, stroke, hypertension and dementia when consumed responsibly and in moderation. The U.S. Government defines moderation as no more than one drink per day for women, or two drinks per day for men. Emerging science now suggests that moderate consumption of beer may also help increase bone density and decrease the risk of fracture.

In 2006, the University of Maryland Center for Food, Nutrition and Agriculture Policy (CFNAP) and the NBWA Education Foundation brought researchers together in Washington, D.C., to discuss the possible health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, particularly pertaining to beer. The event, Beer: To Your Health!, was the first of its kind in the U.S. to focus on the possible health benefits of beer and featured national and international experts who shared their findings on moderate alcohol consumption and risk communication. The overarching theme of the symposium was the mounting scientific evidence suggesting that moderate consumption of beer or other alcohol beverages may have health benefits over not consuming alcohol.

Beer distributors actively promote the sensible and safe consumption of their product only by those of legal drinking age. Science regarding the health effects of beer continues to develop, and the health consequences of consumption may vary from person to person. Adults of legal drinking age should consult their family physicians about the health effects of responsible alcohol consumption. And if you choose to drink, please drink responsibly.